Kew Explorer land train

Enjoy a tour around the gardens on the Kew Explorer land train. Learn about Kew's flora and fauna, about our iconic buildings and about our vital conservation work.

The Kew Explorer land train

Tickets and timings

The Kew Explorer is a hop-on/hop-off land train which operates a daily service throughout the year.

All services depart from Stop 1 adjacent to the Victoria Gate.

Please see the daily timetable, located at all visitor gates and at the seven designated Kew Explorer stops.

Price: £4.50 adult, £1.50 child. Essential carers free.

Explorer land train tickets may be purchased from the Kew Explorer Driver, ticket gates, Kew shops and online. By purchasing a ticket you are helping to support Kew's work in saving the world's plants.

The main boarding point is Stop 1, close to Victoria Plaza. Services arrive at Stop 1 approximately 10 minutes after leaving Stop 7. There is then a 20-minute wait before continuing.

Explorer land train ticket holders can get on and off at any stop around the route.

We recommend that you check schedules when you purchase your ticket in case of seasonal fluctuations. During severe weather conditions the service is liable to disruption - to confirm that it is running, call 020 8332 5655 / 5617.

From time to time it is necessary to remove services due to essential maintenance.

Stop 2. Holly Walk - the best stop for the Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway - get a bird's eye view of Kew when you climb the 18-metre high, 200-metre walkway. | Mediterranean Garden | King Williams Temple

Stop 3. Japanese Gateway (the closest gate to Richmond)Japanese Gateway and Landscapes - a replica of the 16th-century Gateway of the Imperial Messenger | Pavilion Restaurant (open until 2 November)| Pagoda - 10-storey Pagoda designed by Sir William Chambers | Cedar Vista - the longest of seven avenues radiating from the Pagoda.

Hire the Kew Explorer

The Kew Explorer land train is available to hire as part of wedding or venue hire packages and school groups. Tours and commentary can be tailored to suit your event and guests can board and alight from the vehicle at pre-arranged, convenient locations. The Explorer land train is available for private hire in the morning from 9.30am to 10.30am and later in the day, from 5.30pm onwards. For prices and further information call 020 8332 5617 or email kewexplorer@kew.org.

For further information about the Kew Explorer land train, please contact the Kew Explorer Manager at: